Turkish American Cultural Society of Rhode Island (TACS-RI) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization, dedicated to educating and informing the public about the many dimensions of Turkey, and Turkish heritage in Rhode Island.
We are a non-political entity, and our efforts are focused on the historical, cultural, sociological, and anthropological aspects of Turkey and Turkish life.
TACS-RI was founded by Şerife Uludokumaci-Hathaway, who also served as its first president, on Republic Day 2001. Born in Istanbul, she moved to Germany at 15 and to Rhode Island at 21, and has been part of the community here for over 50 years.
Since then the society has been run by volunteers on its board, bringing Turkish Americans and their neighbours together and sharing Turkish culture and heritage across Rhode Island.
Meet the boardIstanbul has its Bosphorus bridges; Rhode Island has the Newport Bridge over Narragansett Bay. Our members cross between two homes every day: Turkish at the dinner table, English at school, bayrams in spring and Thanksgiving in November. The society is where both sides meet.
Centredale Elementary School of North Providence needs a new library. TACS-RI and Turkish Americans want to help this elementary school, and we appreciate every contribution: it will make a great impact.
We also organize food donation drop-offs. Contact us to learn more about how to take part.
